Man City hero watched Match of the Day in fear of being annihilated by Gary Lineker and Co

Micah Richards has opened up about his genuine fear of watching Match of the Day.

The former Manchester City star confessed to Match of the Day regulars Gary Lineker, 63, and Alan Shearer, 53, on The Rest Is Football podcast that he would frequently worry about being heavily criticised on the programme.

At the age of 18, Richards was already establishing himself in City's first team and was widely tipped to become one of our finest defenders, only to find his career disrupted by injuries and lapses in form, eventually losing his place both at international and club level, reports the Daily Star.

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The now 35-year-old acknowledges that he might have benefited from some slack in media coverage as a youngster, telling his colleagues: "When I was young, I could do no wrong. Because I was English I think you guys let me get away with it."

However, this reprieve seemed short-lived, as intensified scrutiny came when he hit his early 20s. "But as soon as you get to 21, 22, 23 that's when you're thinking, 'Oh, Match of the Day tonight, please please, Gary, Alan, Wrighty [Ian Wright], do not slander me please."

Chiming in on whether televised games have an impact on player performances, Richards revealed his own quirks prior to televised matches. He shared how he used to get haircuts the day before a match that would be broadcasted live, much to the amusement and bewilderment of Shearer.

The Newcastle legend could not help but laugh, exclaiming: "Oh you f***ing k***head," after which Richards detailed his preferred haircut style, stating: "I used to